Home Sweet Home

We're finally home! Claire was discharged from the NICU yesterday, after spending 12 long days there. And what better day to get sent home than her daddy's birthday! Even though we didn't get to do the traditional birthday things (cake, presents, dinner out..) I can't think of a better birthday present for Justin! Here's Claire with the doctors who took such good care of her in the NICU. We were so thankful for the care they gave her, but we were ready to take her home and start caring for her ourselves!

It was so fun to finally get her all dressed in her own clothes. Before we were discharged, we had to get training on using the oxygen tanks and monitor that they sent her home with. We had two 175 lb oxygen tanks delivered to our house as well as several smaller portable ones. Taking her places is quite a process since we have to take both the oxygen tank and monitor with us everywhere she goes!

Justin had fun snuggling with her when we got home. It was hard to put her down at all yesterday! When we were in the NICU, we didn't get to hold her very much because it seemed like there was always someone there to draw some blood, take her temperature, listen to her heart, etc... We didn't get much time to just hold and adore her, so we're making up for lost time now!

She spent a lot of time both today and yesterday hanging out in her swing. She looks so cozy in there!

Today we had to take her to her first pediatrician visit. It's scary enough driving with a tiny newborn in the backseat... but imagine doing it in a snow storm! We made it there and back safely. (Thanks to her dad's great and careful driving skills!) It felt like an accomplishment to get her all ready for an outing, oxygen tanks and all, drive in a snow storm with her in the car, and even get to the appointment on time!

Since we didn't have a "normal" Thanksgiving, my parents came over tonight and we had a delicious belated feast. Thanks for the delicious meal, Mom!

Now that Claire is here and her name has been revealed, I can finally show off the letters that Justin so artistically painted! Good thing we had these finished before she made her surprise entrance!

These last 2 weeks have been a total whirlwind. It feels so good to be home... praise the Lord! Thanks for all of your prayers. We go back to the neonatal specialist next Thursday to decide if she is ready to come off of the oxygen. Our prayer is that all will be well and she'll be able to start breathing totally on her own. Your continued prayers are appreciated.